South West Hertfordshire (SW Herts) Grammar Schools – 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations
The South West Hertfordshire (SW Herts) Consortium consists of partially selective secondary schools in the Watford, Croxley Green, Rickmansworth, and Bushey areas of Hertfordshire. These schools are technically comprehensives, but they operate partial academic selection through a shared 11+ admissions process.
These schools are non-fee-paying, state-funded, and offer an education widely regarded as among the best in Hertfordshire and the South East.
🏫 SW Herts Consortium Grammar/Partially Selective Schools
- Watford Grammar School for Boys
- Watford Grammar School for Girls
- Rickmansworth School
- Parmiter’s School
- Queens’ School
- St Clement Danes School
- Croxley Danes School
⚠️ Note: None of these schools are fully selective grammar schools (like those in Kent or Buckinghamshire), but they allocate a percentage of places based on academic ability, music aptitude, or distance/sibling criteria.
🔍 Individual School Profiles
1. Watford Grammar School for Boys
- Founded: 1704 (as a free school)
- Pupil Numbers: ~1,400
- Selection: ~25% of places on academic ability, some on music
- Ofsted: Outstanding
Reputation:
- One of the most academically prestigious schools in Hertfordshire
- Strong STEM and sports programme
- High GCSE & A-Level results; strong Oxbridge & Russell Group progression
2. Watford Grammar School for Girls
- Founded: 1704
- Pupil Numbers: ~1,400
- Selection: ~25% academic, music aptitude, remainder by distance/sibling
- Ofsted: Outstanding
Reputation:
- Excellent academic record, particularly in sciences and humanities
- Exceptional pastoral care and student wellbeing
- Very strong university placement record
3. Parmiter’s School
- Founded: 1681 (moved to Garston in the 1970s)
- Pupil Numbers: ~1,400
- Selection: 25% academic, 10% music aptitude
- Ofsted: Outstanding
Reputation:
- Consistently high academic performance
- Excellent music department and co-curricular activities
- Success in STEM competitions, DofE, and Young Enterprise
4. Rickmansworth School
- Founded: 1954
- Pupil Numbers: ~1,350
- Selection: Partial academic and music
- Ofsted: Good (with Outstanding features)
Reputation:
- Strong results at GCSE and A-Level
- Known for a well-rounded education and inclusive ethos
- Offers wide range of academic and vocational pathways
5. Queens’ School
- Founded: 1969 (through merger)
- Pupil Numbers: ~1,700
- Selection: Partial selection by ability and music
- Ofsted: Good
Reputation:
- Dual-site campus (North and South sides)
- Large Sixth Form with broad A-Level offering
- Strong in sport, arts, and DofE participation
6. St Clement Danes School
- Location: Chorleywood
- Pupil Numbers: ~1,400
- Selection: Partial selection for ability/music
- Ofsted: Outstanding
Reputation:
- High academic outcomes
- Known for strong leadership, behaviour, and enrichment
- Part of Danes Educational Trust
7. Croxley Danes School
- Founded: 2017 (growing school)
- Pupil Numbers: ~900 and increasing
- Selection: Partial ability and music
- Ofsted: Good
Reputation:
- Newest school in the consortium, expanding year by year
- Strong pastoral care and modern facilities
-
Rapidly developing reputation for academic and personal development
🧠 Academic Selection – SW Herts Consortium Test
-
All seven schools use the SW Herts Consortium Test for academic places
-
Tests Include:
- Verbal Reasoning (GL Assessment)
- Mathematics
- Music Aptitude Test (optional)
-
Typically, only 25% of places are awarded by academic ability
-
The rest are allocated by:
- Music aptitude
- Distance to school
- Sibling links
- Children of staff or Pupil Premium criteria (varies by school)
🎓 Academic Reputation & Achievements (Consortium-Wide)
- High Progress 8 and Attainment 8 scores
- GCSE and A-Level results consistently well above national average
- Many students go on to Russell Group universities, including Oxbridge
- Subjects like Sciences, English, Economics, and Languages are especially strong
- Excellent records in:
- UKMT Maths Challenge
- STEM Olympiads
- Young Enterprise
- Duke of Edinburgh Award
- Music and Arts festivals
🏅 Awards & Recognitions
- Most schools in the consortium have earned:
- Artsmark Gold / Platinum
- Eco-Schools Awards
- Healthy Schools Status
- National recognition for music, drama, and sport
- Several are part of Teaching School Hubs or Academy Trusts
The South West Hertfordshire grammar/partially selective schools offer a top-tier state education that blends academic excellence, enrichment opportunities, and inclusive values. With outstanding Ofsted ratings, exceptional results, and strong university outcomes, these schools are among the most desirable in the South East – making the SW Herts Consortium Test highly competitive.
📝 Exam Board: GL Assessment
How to Use ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations to Achieve High Scores for the South West Hertfordshire (SW Herts) Grammar Schools 11+ Entrance Exam
Admission to Year 7 at South West Hertfordshire (SW Herts) Grammar Schools is based on performance in the GL Assessment 11+ entrance exam.
To secure a place, students must achieve a high score in the entrance test. ExamTutor’s 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations provide a structured and effective way to prepare, ensuring students are fully familiar with the question types and exam format used in the 11+ entrance exam.
How ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations Help Students Succeed
1. Mirrors the GL Assessment 11+ Test Format
ExamTutor’s practice papers closely follow the GL Assessment 11+ test format, covering:
📌 English – Reading comprehension, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary.
📌 Mathematics – Numerical reasoning, arithmetic, and problem-solving.
📌 Verbal Reasoning – Word patterns, logic, and problem-solving.
📌 Non-Verbal Reasoning – Spatial awareness, pattern recognition, and sequences.
✔ By practicing with ExamTutor papers, students become familiar with the structure and content of the South West Hertfordshire (SW Herts) Grammar Schools entrance exam, improving confidence and performance.
2. Identify Weak Areas & Improve Performance with a Structured Study Plan
A structured study plan is essential for 11+ success. Our practice papers:
✔ Help identify weaker subjects at the earliest stage.
✔ Allow students to focus on specific question types where they struggle.
✔ Include detailed answer explanations so students understand their mistakes and improve.
📌 Tip: Encourage your child to take regular timed practice tests to build exam stamina and confidence.
3. Boost Confidence with Video Explanations
Some 11+ question types can be challenging for students. Our expert-led video explanations:
🎥 Break down complex questions step by step
🎥 Teach proven problem-solving techniques
🎥 Show shortcuts and strategies to save time in the exam
🎥 Help students reinforce learning and build confidence
How to Use Video Explanations Effectively:
✅ Review incorrect answers with video solutions – Identify and correct mistakes early.
✅ Take notes on key strategies – Record important problem-solving techniques for future reference.
✅ Rewatch explanations for difficult topics – Reinforce learning by revisiting challenging areas.
✔ Video explanations ensure students fully understand concepts rather than just memorising answers.
4. Develop Strong Time Management & Exam Techniques
Success in the 11+ entrance exam isn’t just about knowledge—it’s also about:
✔ Time management – Completing questions quickly and accurately under exam conditions.
✔ Skipping tricky questions – Avoid wasting time on difficult questions and returning to them later.
✔ Eliminating wrong answers – Using logical reasoning to improve accuracy.
📌 Tip: Regular timed practice with ExamTutor tests ensures students develop these key exam skills.
5. Build Confidence Before the Big Day
Confidence is crucial for success in the South West Hertfordshire (SW Herts) Grammar Schools 11+ exam. Our practice tests help by:
✔ Simulating real exam conditions – So students know exactly what to expect.
✔ Providing motivation through measurable improvement.
📌 Tip: Encourage your child to review their mistakes using our detailed video explanations to turn weaknesses into strengths.
Why Choose ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers for South West Hertfordshire (SW Herts) Grammar Schools Preparation?
✔ GL Assessment-style practice papers covering all tested subjects.
✔ Video explanations for step-by-step learning.
✔ Used successfully by thousands of students every year.
How to Get Started with ExamTutor Practice Papers
1️⃣ Take a practice test – Identify your child’s strengths and weaknesses.
2️⃣ Create a study plan – Focus on weaker areas while reinforcing strengths.
3️⃣ Practice regularly – Use ExamTutor timed papers to simulate real exam conditions.
4️⃣ Review mistakes using video explanations – Learn from errors and improve.
5️⃣ Track progress – Monitor scores over time to ensure continuous improvement.
📌 Tip: Start preparing at least 6–12 months before the exam to allow enough time for practice and improvement.
South West Hertfordshire (SW Herts) Grammar Schools Year 7 is highly competitive, but ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations provide a powerful tool to maximise your child’s success.
By mirroring the GL Assessment test format, identifying weak areas, improving time management, and building confidence, our practice tests give students the best chance of securing a high score and gaining admission to South West Hertfordshire (SW Herts) Grammar Schools.
📌 Start preparing today with ExamTutor and set your child on the path to 11+ success! 🚀
South West Hertfordshire (SW Herts) Grammar Schools – Year 7 Admissions Criteria & How to Apply
The South West Herts Consortium is a group of partially selective and fully selective schools in the South West Hertfordshire area. Admission into Year 7 at these schools is based on academic ability, music aptitude, and/or distance, depending on the school.
🏫 Schools in the South West Herts Consortium
| School Name | Selection Type |
|---|---|
| Parmiter’s School | Partially selective (academic/music) |
| Queen’s School, Bushey | Partially selective (academic/sport) |
| Rickmansworth School | Partially selective (academic/music) |
| St Clement Danes School | Partially selective (academic/music) |
| Watford Grammar School for Boys | Partially selective (academic/music) |
| Watford Grammar School for Girls | Partially selective (academic/music) |
| Croxley Danes School | Non-selective (uses Consortium test for some allocations) |
✅ Year 7 Admissions Criteria
🔹 Academic Selection
- Applicants take the SW Herts Consortium Academic Test (GL Assessment)
- Consists of:
- Verbal Reasoning
- Mathematics
- Used for up to 25% of places at some schools
🔹 Music Aptitude Test
- Optional music test with two parts:
- Part 1: Listening test (aural perception)
- Part 2: Practical assessment (for shortlisted candidates)
🔹 Sports Aptitude Test
- Only offered at Queen’s School
- Assesses ability and potential in sports activities
🔹 Other Criteria Used by Schools:
- Distance from school
- Siblings
- Looked After / Previously Looked After Children
- Children of staff
📌 Note: Each school has its own admissions policy. Check the school’s individual criteria for how selective places are allocated and how many.
📝 How to Apply for SW Herts Grammar Schools
✅ Step 1: Register for the SW Herts Tests
- Opens: April
- Closes: Mid-June
- Register online:
🔗 www.swhertsschools.org.uk
✅ Step 2: Sit the Entrance Tests
- Academic Test Date: September
- Music Test (Part 1): Also held in September
- Sport Test (Queen’s only): September
- Music Test (Part 2 – practical): October
✅ Step 3: Receive Scores
- Results issued before the CAF deadline so you can make informed choices
✅ Step 4: Submit the Common Application Form (CAF)
- Submit to your local authority
- Deadline: 31st October
- List your chosen schools in preference order
✅ Step 5: National Offer Day
- Offers made on 1st March
ℹ️ Additional Info & Links
-
🔗 SW Herts Consortium Website:
www.swhertsschools.org.uk -
🔗 Hertfordshire County Council Admissions:
www.hertfordshire.gov.uk -
📄 Each School’s Admissions Policy:
Found on each school’s website or via the SW Herts Consortium site
